Yelp suggests

BY MEGAN COLOMBO

Ditching the BIG BOX

Five locally owned and Yelp-recommended spots for back-to-school shopping!

Hipocampo Children’s Books

Hip duds from Lagom While the tradition of back-to-school shopping can be a delight every year, this season’s outing will mark an especially pronounced anticipation for what’s to come in the lives of our kiddos. Families across the 585 are hoping for more normalcy, less disappointment, more celebration, and (hopefully) significantly less time on Zoom. While the convenience and consistency of big box shops can be an alluring way to update your student’s shoes, denim, and accessories, making the swap to a locally owned shop for even one or two items can have a significant impact on the lives of your fellow community members—the owners of these businesses!

Cultivate a special shopping experience with your child by making a stop into one (or all!) of these six great locally owned businesses across the region.

Hipocampo Children’s Books—6388 South Ave., South Wedge Neighborhood Home library in need a refresh? Hipocampo Books offers up a large selection of (obviously) books for children of all ages, along with varied toys and apparel. Hipocampo sponsors the Teen Book Festival, carry books in fourteen different languages, and cares deeply about developing a community of readers in Rochester.

Lagom—40 Main St., Brockport, NY Everything about this Brockport-based boutique screams “chic first day of school outfit!” Lagom stocks a wide variety of apparel for you and your littles, paper goods, aromatherapy, and more—all curated by owner Brooke Albanese, who established the shop in 2018. Valenti Sports—2195 Monroe Ave., Brighton, NY Valenti Sports carries all of your favorite brands from the big box athletic stores, with the personal touch of a family who knows the community and local sports scene. Sneakers, pullovers, backpacks, and gear for any sport you can think of is available in this 9,000-square-foot space in Brighton. Archimage—668 Monroe Ave., Downtown Rochester This recommendation might be a bit surprising for back to school, but nowhere else will you find this unique assortment of toys, instruments, and clothing for kids in a store they will quickly fall in love with! Come for the assortment of goodies and stay for the laid-back atmosphere. Parkleigh—215 Park Ave., Downtown Rochester

While Parkleigh has always been a fan favorite for holiday shopping and home decor, you’re bound to find a special school necessity here as well.Themed journal for your eccentric middle schooler? Check. Vera Bradley clutch for lunch money? Check. Good luck socks? You bet! Grab a truffle treat on your way out and enjoy as you walk down Park Ave.

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